“Shop local” web platforms
One of the biggest areas of expansion for digital services supporting town centres is online platforms – websites and apps – which help local businesses reach their customers online. The demand for home delivery and click-and-collect grew hugely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and platforms like Scotland Loves Local, ShopAppy and Hungrrr evolved specifically to support town centre businesses offer these services at zero or minimal cost.
Click here for more information on town websites and digital apps on the Scotland’s Towns Partnership website.
Hungrrr: St Andrews
Business Improvement Districts like St Andrews bought into Hungrrr, an online food ordering and delivery platform where all the income went straight to the local business – who didn’t lose out to the often high rates of commission that some other platforms charge. Hungrrr originally started in Dundee, and allowed towns to create their own bespoke webpages.
Other very local delivery services have since established too, FalkirkEats for example, offers a 'local way to takeaway'.
In St Andrews, the #LoveStAndrews Marketplace app provides a marketplace for all local businesses who already offer, or want to offer, delivery or click-and-collect. Launched during Covid-19 restrictions, the app is being expanded from Hungrrr’s original focus on hot food delivery to include all sectors and services. The aim is to drive revenue streams, save jobs and ensure that businesses survive in the long run.
For more information, contact BID St Andrews.